Crooked Can Brewing Company rotates in seasonal beers and bourbon-barrel-aged brews. (Courtesy of Chris Chan with “Think Minion”)

The microbrew storm has blown through greater Orlando, Florida, like a Category 5 hurricane, leaving a trail of delicious beer in its wake – the Central Florida Ale Trail to be exact – which has 17 (and counting) breweries on its must-visit map. Here are a few of those thirst-quenching stops (and a couple outliers) recommended by local experts.

Crooked Can Brewing Co.

Crooked Can Brewing Co. (Courtesy of Chris Chan with “Think Minion”)

Not sure what kind of beer you like? No worries. The staff at Crooked Can Brewing Co. in historic Winter Garden can guide you.

"They'll let you taste different things and get a feel for your palate," says Lourdes Gee, concierge at the Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando. "Their bartenders are great at finding the right fit."

What's right for you depends on your goal. The copper loveliness of McSwagger's Own Amber Ale is perfect for sipping in the outdoor courtyard, while the McStagger Imperial IPA, at 9 percent alcohol by volume, is perfect for slipping off your bar stool. Crooked Can also rotates in seasonal beers and bourbon-barrel-aged brews.

The brewery and taproom fill one end of the Plant Street Market and share a roof with specialty shops, bistros and food artisans. Its monocle-wearing mascot McSwagger graces every can and embodies the brewery's classy-casual atmosphere. Crooked Can is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Orlando Brewing

Some beer connoisseurs demand that their brews follow the Reinheitsgebot, the centuries-old German beer purity law that limited beer-makers to only four ingredients: water, yeast, hops and barley. Orlando Brewing honors the ancient brewing regulations, while managing to produce dozens of beer styles. It does occasionally release beers that break the rules, under The Violator Series.

Orlando Brewing is one of only a handful of U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic breweries in the South, a point of immense pride for the staff. For a tongue-lashing, try the Grand O' Hopry Double IPA. For a brew as dark and thick as the witching hour, go for the Papa Midnight Imperial Stout.

Orlando Brewing hosts live entertainment on its outdoor stage, including open mics to showcase your beer-influenced crooning. Orlando Brewing is in the SoDo District, just a bottle toss away from the historic Orlando Amtrak Station. It's open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.

Dead Lizard Brewing Co.

Dead Lizard Brewing Co. (Courtesy of Scott Dine)

Hidden like a camouflaged chameleon among the gray warehouses of the 33rdStreet Industrial Park is the Dead Lizard Brewing Co. Step inside to see this lizard's true colors, which range from straw yellow IPAs to dark brown stouts. The decor is mostly bare-bones concrete block, metal and ductwork, with a large window to see the brewing vats.

Most of Dead Lizard's beers are lizard-themed, of course, though very much alive with offerings like Komodo "KoKo" Dragon Chocolate Stout and Purple Skink IPA. For the adventurous palate, try the Key Lime Chameleon Cream-Sic-Ale (Nitro), which tastes like an offering from a beer-infused ice cream truck.

The brewery has live music inside the taproom on weekends for lounge lizards who like a little entertainment with their beverage. Dead Lizard is open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. It's closed Monday.

Ten10 Brewing Co.

Ten10 Brewing Co., a young brewery in the Mills 50 District north of downtown Orlando, is the epitome of a local spot and not just in the sense of patrons. The brewery prides itself on using local ingredients, sourced as nearby as next door.

The brewery belongs to a tightly knit business district. George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, the area's official tourism organization, explains, "Ten10 Brewing uses a wide variety of ingredients from other local businesses and uses wine barrels from Quantum Leap Winery to ferment and age their beers." Ten10 Brewing reciprocates by serving Quantum Leap wines. It also donates spent grains to nearby small companies such as Gezellig Cookies and Olde Hearth Bread Co. Olde Hearth’s pretzel is on Ten10’s menu. Try it with the beer cheese.

Ten10 Brewing beers range from Black Bombers in the Night, a flavorful schwarzbier, to the powerful stout, The Lebanon. A favorite is Chronically Mismanaged, a coffee red ale but thankfully not the brewery's actual management style, as the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Ten10 Brewing is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Two Henrys Brewing Co.

Two Henrys Brewing Co. (Courtesy of Two Henrys Brewing Company)

If you're staying in the Disney Springs area and you're in love with breweries that incorporate history and local ingredients, drive about an hour due west to Two Henrys Brewing Co. in neighboring Plant City. Its namesakes, 19th-century railroad tycoons Henry B. Plant and Henry M. Flagler, opened up Florida to northern visitors. That railroad history is reflected in the town's name and the beer label.

The brewery is also a working blueberry farm, and the fruit figures into many of the brewery's beers and hard ciders, such as the seasonal Belleview Biltmore Blueberry Vanilla Wheat or the piquant Roasted Jalapeno Blueberry Porter.

"If you like blueberry and spicy beer, this is the place for you," says Richard Tribou, travel editor for the Orlando Sentinel. "If you're not sure, go and try one." If you're not a blueberry fan, there are plenty of other frothy options. The location is also home to Keel & Curley Winery, so nonbeer drinkers have options, with and without blueberries. Accentuate your buzz with live music every Friday and Saturday night. The brewery and winery tasting rooms are open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Originating in Maine, Sea Dog Brewing Co. now has seven breweries across the continental USA, and one of them is conveniently 10 minutes outside Disney Springs on Palm Parkway.

Sea Dog brews in a traditional English style with English malted barley and British yeast to produce a variety of award-winning beers such as Windjammer Blond Ale, Bluepaw Blueberry Wheat Ale and the nautically named Old Gollywobbler Brown Ale.

Its plush mascot, Barney, a Great Pyrenees dog with a yellow sou'wester fishing hat, graces the logo and also appears in costume at the brewery, which fits well with the nearby theme park motif. Sea Dog is not on the Central Florida Ale Trail, but while on vacation, if your tail gets stuck in the "mousetrap," it's a refreshing nearby getaway.

Sea Dog is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

15 Best Foodie Destinations in the USA

What makes a great foodie destination?More and more travelers are planning their vacations around the eateries they want to visit in any given destination. After all, a large part of a city's culture lies in its cuisine. But what makes a place worth visiting for the food alone? The answer depends on who you ask.

Some would say it's a distinct, authentic cuisine that the city does best, while others value a wealth of options that range from ethnic to innovative. Others say it's placing heightened importance on using only fresh, local ingredients. No matter the definition, the 15 cities that appear on U.S. News' first-ever Best Foodie Destinations in the USA ranking share one common factor: they offer unforgettable gastronomic experiences that travelers keep coming back for. (iStockPhoto)

15. PittsburghHome to hearty Eastern European classics like Polish sausages and cabbage rolls, plus french fry-topped sandwiches and salads (which aren't going anywhere anytime soon), the Steel City is graduating to a more sophisticated culinary style. The gastronomic resurgence in recent years has caught the attention of publications like Zagat, Bon Appétit and Food & Wine Magazine. While critics are singing Pittsburgh's praises, locals are embracing the edible renaissance with open arms. (Getty Images)

14. Asheville, North CarolinaThis small mountain town may be known for its laid-back, hippie vibe, but it still packs a palatable punch in its 45 square miles. While the Appalachian Trail may seem like a strange place for a culinary hot spot, chefs and curious eaters have started congregating in western North Carolina in pursuit of inventive, offbeat creations. Aside from its impressive restaurant lineup, Asheville boasts more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, meaning you'll have plenty of interesting suds to pair with your meal. (Getty Images)

13. Las VegasHigh rollers have to eat too, right? And in Vegas, they expect to eat well. Sin City has raised the stakes when it comes to dining, dazzling tourists with whimsical, over-the-top decor and celebrity chef-backed restaurants from the likes of Wolfgang Puck and Pierre Gagnaire, whose only U.S. restaurant is in the Mandarin Oriental. And if you lose in the casinos, don't worry: Sin City still boasts plenty of affordable options and cheap all-you-can-eat buffets to keep you going. (Getty Images)

12. PhiladelphiaIn 2015, Philadelphia was named the first World Heritage City in the United States. Though the City of Brotherly Love is certainly home to a fair amount of history, that doesn't mean its food scene is stuck in the past. While classics like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels still reign supreme, Philly balances those hallmark dishes with vegetarian and vegan eateries, as well as a wealth of genuine Italian and Jewish fare. Plus, the city originated the BYOB policy and now boasts more than 200 bring-your-own-bottle restaurants. (Getty Images)

11. SeattleNo visitor to Seattle can pass up a trip to Pike Place Market, but there's more to the Emerald City than watching people throw and catch fish. The city's abundance of fresh seafood (namely salmon and oysters) along with its Asian culinary influences have shaped its gastronomy. Seattle's selection of sushi and rice bowls, along with its unique Seattle teriyaki, known for its thick, Korean-inspired sauce, have been recognized by critics and discerning food lovers as some of the best in the country. (Getty Images)

10. Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston put low country fare at the forefront of the foodie scene. The regional cuisine, known for relying heavily on seafood with a mix of Southern, Caribbean and African flavors, is what this quaint South Carolina city does better than anywhere else. Though the city is proud of its well-preserved history, its chefs have started reinventing staple dishes (like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup) to fit the needs of 21st-century palates. (Getty Images)

9. MiamiMiami's vibrant nightlife and scantily clad beachgoers often overshadow the city's rich culinary scene. But its cuisine shouldn't be overlooked. The city whips up the best Cuban food outside of Havana, and the proximity to the Caribbean also brings a multitude of full-bodied island flavors. Plus, the restaurant scene is full of young chefs who continue to bring something new to the table. (Getty Images)

8. HoustonHouston has the savory chops that only the largest city in the Lone Star State can claim. Business travelers from around the world are continually surprised by the culinary diversity here – from mom and pop takeout shops that locals line up for to fine dining pioneers that attract a more upscale clientele. The city is also home to a large Vietnamese and Chinese immigrant population, allowing Asian dishes like spring rolls and pho to intermingle with area classics like barbecue and Tex-Mex. (Getty Images)

7. Washington, District of ColumbiaA city that attracts everyone from small-town tourists to international diplomats has to provide ample options to satisfy them all – and the nation's capital measures up to the task. Boasting an all-encompassing restaurant scene that offers some of the best ethnic food (especially Indian and Ethiopian), as well as area staples like bottomless brunches and happy hour specials, D.C.'s food landscape is anything but boring. When you're touring the monuments, don't forget to stop and grab a half-smoke (the half-beef, half-pork cousin of the hot dog that's a D.C. specialty). (iStockphoto)

6. ChicagoDeep-dish pizza. Distinctively dressed hot dogs. Italian beef. Cheese and caramel popcorn. Plantain encased sandwiches called jibaritos. Plus the Greek answer to grilled cheese, saganaki. The Windy City's calling card lies largely in its hearty, gooey and iconic dishes. But Chicago's culinary power extends from those staples into a toothsome and ever-evolving dining culture that's as big on innovation as it is on flavor. Plus, Chi-Town beckons talented chefs (40 James Beard Award winners call Chicago home) who ensure that this Midwestern authority presents a robust offerings, so no one goes hungry. (Getty Images)

5. San FranciscoRegularly lauded by critics and visitors for its culinary chops, San Francisco is a hotbed for foodies of all kinds. The City by the Bay is also known for its knack of modernization and invention, meaning gourmands who flock here expect to be at the forefront of dining trends – and chefs here deliver. But with the influx of tech money and the constant rising of rental rates, the city isn't known for cheap eats. (Getty Images)

4. Portland, OregonPortland might as well have invented the word "foodie." From its emphasis on ingredients (the fresher and more unusual the better) to its affinity for low-cost, high-quality food carts, Portland has emerged as the foodie capital of the Pacific Northwest. The city has become a favorite of industry experts for its eagerness to present unique yet affordable options, from doughnuts to craft beer. (Getty Images)

3. New OrleansThe Big Easy has an identity all its own – a mix of Cajun, Creole and French – that has always made its food distinct. Now, 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, the city has retained its unmistakable character while pushing forward to become something entirely new. Aside from the mouthwatering dishes, the deeply rooted sense of community that's attached to the food here makes it a must for any self-declared epicurean. (Getty Images)

2. Los AngelesLos Angeles presents the ultimate in culinary mashups. The city that tailors to celebrities and wealthy patrons with fine dining establishments that boast big price tags also delivers some of the best street food in the country. And since the City of Angels is home to large immigrant populations – namely Hispanic and Asian communities – the opportunities to please your taste buds with globally inspired cuisine are endless. From food trucks to strip malls to trendy eateries, local establishments churn out creative dishes with high-quality ingredients, helping LA stay at the top of the gastronomic food chain. (Getty Images)

1. New York CityA visit to New York City can include meals inspired by just about every continent, country and culture. Simply put, the Big Apple has it all. It's the premier stage for chefs looking to gain notoriety, and the restaurant scene progresses at breakneck speed, meaning the eateries that stick around have earned the stamp of approval from notoriously opinionated locals. Whether you're craving a pastrami sandwich from the corner deli or a meal on white tablecloths prepared by a celebrity chef, New York City has you covered. Getty Images/Tetra images RF

xofx

xofx

What makes a great foodie destination?More and more travelers are planning their vacations around the eateries they want to visit in any given destination. After all, a large part of a city's culture lies in its cuisine. But what makes a place worth visiting for the food alone? The answer depends on who you ask.

Some would say it's a distinct, authentic cuisine that the city does best, while others value a wealth of options that range from ethnic to innovative. Others say it's placing heightened importance on using only fresh, local ingredients. No matter the definition, the 15 cities that appear on U.S. News' first-ever Best Foodie Destinations in the USA ranking share one common factor: they offer unforgettable gastronomic experiences that travelers keep coming back for. (iStockPhoto)

15. PittsburghHome to hearty Eastern European classics like Polish sausages and cabbage rolls, plus french fry-topped sandwiches and salads (which aren't going anywhere anytime soon), the Steel City is graduating to a more sophisticated culinary style. The gastronomic resurgence in recent years has caught the attention of publications like Zagat, Bon Appétit and Food & Wine Magazine. While critics are singing Pittsburgh's praises, locals are embracing the edible renaissance with open arms. (Getty Images)

14. Asheville, North CarolinaThis small mountain town may be known for its laid-back, hippie vibe, but it still packs a palatable punch in its 45 square miles. While the Appalachian Trail may seem like a strange place for a culinary hot spot, chefs and curious eaters have started congregating in western North Carolina in pursuit of inventive, offbeat creations. Aside from its impressive restaurant lineup, Asheville boasts more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, meaning you'll have plenty of interesting suds to pair with your meal. (Getty Images)

13. Las VegasHigh rollers have to eat too, right? And in Vegas, they expect to eat well. Sin City has raised the stakes when it comes to dining, dazzling tourists with whimsical, over-the-top decor and celebrity chef-backed restaurants from the likes of Wolfgang Puck and Pierre Gagnaire, whose only U.S. restaurant is in the Mandarin Oriental. And if you lose in the casinos, don't worry: Sin City still boasts plenty of affordable options and cheap all-you-can-eat buffets to keep you going. (Getty Images)

12. PhiladelphiaIn 2015, Philadelphia was named the first World Heritage City in the United States. Though the City of Brotherly Love is certainly home to a fair amount of history, that doesn't mean its food scene is stuck in the past. While classics like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels still reign supreme, Philly balances those hallmark dishes with vegetarian and vegan eateries, as well as a wealth of genuine Italian and Jewish fare. Plus, the city originated the BYOB policy and now boasts more than 200 bring-your-own-bottle restaurants. (Getty Images)

11. SeattleNo visitor to Seattle can pass up a trip to Pike Place Market, but there's more to the Emerald City than watching people throw and catch fish. The city's abundance of fresh seafood (namely salmon and oysters) along with its Asian culinary influences have shaped its gastronomy. Seattle's selection of sushi and rice bowls, along with its unique Seattle teriyaki, known for its thick, Korean-inspired sauce, have been recognized by critics and discerning food lovers as some of the best in the country. (Getty Images)

10. Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston put low country fare at the forefront of the foodie scene. The regional cuisine, known for relying heavily on seafood with a mix of Southern, Caribbean and African flavors, is what this quaint South Carolina city does better than anywhere else. Though the city is proud of its well-preserved history, its chefs have started reinventing staple dishes (like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup) to fit the needs of 21st-century palates. (Getty Images)

9. MiamiMiami's vibrant nightlife and scantily clad beachgoers often overshadow the city's rich culinary scene. But its cuisine shouldn't be overlooked. The city whips up the best Cuban food outside of Havana, and the proximity to the Caribbean also brings a multitude of full-bodied island flavors. Plus, the restaurant scene is full of young chefs who continue to bring something new to the table. (Getty Images)

8. HoustonHouston has the savory chops that only the largest city in the Lone Star State can claim. Business travelers from around the world are continually surprised by the culinary diversity here – from mom and pop takeout shops that locals line up for to fine dining pioneers that attract a more upscale clientele. The city is also home to a large Vietnamese and Chinese immigrant population, allowing Asian dishes like spring rolls and pho to intermingle with area classics like barbecue and Tex-Mex. (Getty Images)

7. Washington, District of ColumbiaA city that attracts everyone from small-town tourists to international diplomats has to provide ample options to satisfy them all – and the nation's capital measures up to the task. Boasting an all-encompassing restaurant scene that offers some of the best ethnic food (especially Indian and Ethiopian), as well as area staples like bottomless brunches and happy hour specials, D.C.'s food landscape is anything but boring. When you're touring the monuments, don't forget to stop and grab a half-smoke (the half-beef, half-pork cousin of the hot dog that's a D.C. specialty). (iStockphoto)

6. ChicagoDeep-dish pizza. Distinctively dressed hot dogs. Italian beef. Cheese and caramel popcorn. Plantain encased sandwiches called jibaritos. Plus the Greek answer to grilled cheese, saganaki. The Windy City's calling card lies largely in its hearty, gooey and iconic dishes. But Chicago's culinary power extends from those staples into a toothsome and ever-evolving dining culture that's as big on innovation as it is on flavor. Plus, Chi-Town beckons talented chefs (40 James Beard Award winners call Chicago home) who ensure that this Midwestern authority presents a robust offerings, so no one goes hungry. (Getty Images)

5. San FranciscoRegularly lauded by critics and visitors for its culinary chops, San Francisco is a hotbed for foodies of all kinds. The City by the Bay is also known for its knack of modernization and invention, meaning gourmands who flock here expect to be at the forefront of dining trends – and chefs here deliver. But with the influx of tech money and the constant rising of rental rates, the city isn't known for cheap eats. (Getty Images)

4. Portland, OregonPortland might as well have invented the word "foodie." From its emphasis on ingredients (the fresher and more unusual the better) to its affinity for low-cost, high-quality food carts, Portland has emerged as the foodie capital of the Pacific Northwest. The city has become a favorite of industry experts for its eagerness to present unique yet affordable options, from doughnuts to craft beer. (Getty Images)

3. New OrleansThe Big Easy has an identity all its own – a mix of Cajun, Creole and French – that has always made its food distinct. Now, 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, the city has retained its unmistakable character while pushing forward to become something entirely new. Aside from the mouthwatering dishes, the deeply rooted sense of community that's attached to the food here makes it a must for any self-declared epicurean. (Getty Images)

2. Los AngelesLos Angeles presents the ultimate in culinary mashups. The city that tailors to celebrities and wealthy patrons with fine dining establishments that boast big price tags also delivers some of the best street food in the country. And since the City of Angels is home to large immigrant populations – namely Hispanic and Asian communities – the opportunities to please your taste buds with globally inspired cuisine are endless. From food trucks to strip malls to trendy eateries, local establishments churn out creative dishes with high-quality ingredients, helping LA stay at the top of the gastronomic food chain. (Getty Images)

1. New York CityA visit to New York City can include meals inspired by just about every continent, country and culture. Simply put, the Big Apple has it all. It's the premier stage for chefs looking to gain notoriety, and the restaurant scene progresses at breakneck speed, meaning the eateries that stick around have earned the stamp of approval from notoriously opinionated locals. Whether you're craving a pastrami sandwich from the corner deli or a meal on white tablecloths prepared by a celebrity chef, New York City has you covered. Getty Images/Tetra images RF

Vincent Crampton
is a freelance writer, editor and educator who’s in love with his native Florida. He writes about restaurants, theme parks, hidden gems, weird tales and the natural wonders of his hot and humid state. His work has appeared in the Orlando Sentinel, the Sun Sentinel, the Orlando Weekly and the West Orange Times. He also writes short stories, and he is the creator and managing editor of ScrawlBrawl.com, an online microfiction journal. He maintains a thriving copywriting, editing and proofreading business called The Proofessional. He is also on the selection committee for the historic The Jack Kerouac Writers In Residence Project of Orlando. You can follow him on Twitter at @ScrawlBrawl.